FISA has cancelled an Asia and Oceania Olympic and Paralympic qualification rowing regatta and the Olympic solidarity training camp, both in South Korea, because of the coronavirus outbreak ©Getty Images

The World Rowing Federation (FISA) has cancelled the Asia and Oceania Olympic and Paralympic qualification rowing regatta in South Korea, due to be held in April, because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The regatta was due to be held in Chungju from April 27 to 30 following the Asia and Oceania FISA / Olympic solidarity training camp at the same location - and the training camp has also been cancelled.

FISA cited the number of cases in South Korea (more than 1700) as the main reason for the cancellation of the two events, but also cited difficulties in travelling to South Korea as a reason behind the cancellation.

The Asia and Oceania continental Olympic and Paralympic qualification regattas will now be combined with existing events, scheduled to take place in Europe.

The final Paralympic qualification regatta is now due to take place in Gavirate in Italy from May 8 to 10 while the final Olympic qualification regatta is due to take place in Lucerne in Switzerland between May 17 and 19.

Regarding the Olympic solidarity training camp, FISA say discussions on arranging an alternative training camp are currently taking place and a final decision will be announced when it is made.

There are more than 650 confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy, and FISA say they are monitoring the situation in the country ahead of four major rowing events scheduled there during April and May ©Getty Images
There are more than 650 confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy, and FISA say they are monitoring the situation in the country ahead of four major rowing events scheduled there during April and May ©Getty Images

FISA also issued an update today on four major rowing events due to take place in Italy during April and May - World Rowing Cup I in Sabaudia from May 10 to 12, the European Continental Olympic and Paralympic qualification regatta in Varese from April 27 to 29, World Rowing Cup II from May 1 to 3, also in Varese, and the final Paralympic qualification regatta from May 8 to 10 in Gavirate.

In a statement FISA said: "The situation in Italy is evolving each day with very determined efforts by the Government authorities to contain the outbreak in Northern Italy. 

"The situation in the cities of Sabaudia, Varese, and Gavirate is presently considered to be low risk as the outbreak has taken place in other cities in Northern Italy and containment efforts are focused on these cities. 

"We are not aware of any travel restrictions at this time. 

"These FISA events will continue as planned. 

"However, as the situation is evolving quickly, FISA continues to monitor the situation on a daily basis."

There have been more than 82,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus globally, including more than 2,000 fatalities.

A host of top-level football and rugby matches due to take place in Italy this weekend have either been postponed or will be played behind closed doors as a result of the outbreak.